Dental fillings used by Knoxville dentist, Dr. Jim Erpenbach, are meant to repair chips or small cavities in teeth. Fillings are made up of materials that are resistant to decay, like porcelain, composite resin, and sometimes, amalgam. Fillings are made to last  however, on occasion, harmful bacteria in our mouths can break down the precious bond between a filling and the surrounding tooth enamel.� And, if a patient has poor oral hygiene habits, the chances of this break down is even higher.
Why Fillings Go Bad
The larger and older a filling is, the more likely it will fail. This is often a result of the bacteria in your mouth invading the bonded seam between the filling and the adjacent tooth enamel.
How do you know if a filling is failing?
One common symptom is a sharp pain when biting down or chewing on that single tooth. This could also be associated with a change in texture, especially if the filling is on the lingual side of the tooth near your tongue.
Don’t Wait to Replace Bad Fillings
If you suspect you have a bad filling, don’t wait to fix it. A bad filling serves no purpose and it may�do more harm than good�inside your mouth.
According to research published in theÂ?Journal of Dentistry, a bad or worn out dental filling can increase tooth decay, infection, and mean more fillings will be needed, particularly on neighboring teeth.
Dental Fillings Remain Essential
Despite the risk of failure, fillings are still essential for some patients especially when there is no other solution, other than replacement, to repair a decayed tooth. Patients also need to be particularly careful about taking care of their teeth after a filling, reducing sugar intake and brushing properly.
Think you may have a bad filling that needs to be replaced? Are you suffering from tooth pain from time to time? Call the office of Dr. Erpenbach today to schedule an exam:865-584-8630. The sooner we can diagnose and treat a oral health problem, the sooner we can help you start feeling better again.
